It is not often that a trainer and owner buy a horse without riding it first. However, Dave Miller of Showstring was so positive that the 2012 Congress Junior Hunter Under Saddle winner, Assets Agenda (Julia), would be perfect for his youth client, Jaime Sharp, that they didn’t ride her until after they purchased her at Congress. They eventually got a chance once former owner, Vickie Strickland, and trainer, Dawn Baker, finished showing her at the AQHA World Show.
“I finally was able to talk Dawn and Vickie into to parting with her,” says Dave, who looks forward to adding jumping events in the future. “I’ve been trying to buy Julia for Jaime all year, and I think they are a perfect match. Jaime was looking for a horse that she could be competitive at the major shows like the Youth World and Congress. She has had some nice horses, but I think Julia will be able to help her become more competitive on a national level. Jaime is a great rider that has a lot of feel and timing, and I’m excited she gets a chance to highlight her talent more now.”
Fifteen year-old Jaime Sharp of Frisco, Texas is excited about debuting in the 14-18 Youth Hunter Under Saddle with her new horse at the Sun Circuit early next year.
“I really haven’t been able to show a lot of AQHA shows in the past,” says, Jaime, who attends Justin Wakeland High School. “I am so excited to be able to step up my competition especially with a new partner as amazing as Julia. She is the most kind and willing horse I have ever owned. Every time I pull her out of the stall she is ready to do whatever I ask of her.”
Assets Agenda, a 2007 mare by Protect Your Assets and out of a thoroughbred mare, won the Junior Hunter Under Saddle at the Congress with Dawn Baker in the saddle. Julia’s former owner, Vickie Strickland, was also Reserve in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle. Assets Agenda went on to place fourth in the Junior Hunter Under Saddle and sixth in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle (2nd Intermediate) at the AQHA World Show.
Jaime is currently under the supervision of trainers, David Miller, Scott Jones, and Reid Thomas of the newly merged training operation, Showstring that will be based in Boerne, Texas near San Antonio.
“I am fortunate enough to have trainers who truly care about the client’s opinion. They have both been there to guide me every step of the way, and find me a horse as wonderful as Assets Agenda,” Jaime told GoHorseShow. “I am extremely excited about Scott and Dave’s move to Boerne, Texas because they’ll be a lot closer, and that I will have the opportunity to work with their new partner, Reid Thomas as well. I think with David, Scott, and Reid that I will have an amazing opportunity to learn, ride, and show on a level that far surpasses any other opportunity I’ve had so far.”
Watch for Jaime and Assets Agenda in the 14-18 Youth Hunter Hunter Saddle and Scott Jones and Julia in the Senior Hunter Under Saddle at the major shows next year. Jaime also hopes to add equitation to her repertoire in the future. We wish her the best of luck!
Click here to see her ad in the December 2012 Issue of GoMag
